Pumpernickel

Dark bread was the mainstay of most meals during the centuries of Jewish life in Poland, Russia and the Baltic States. It might be spread with butter, chicken fat or sour cream, or simply rubbed with onion or garlic. There are many theories as to the origins of the name. A popular notion is that Napoleon Bonaparte described it, rather dismissively, as “Pain Pour Nicol” – bread fit only for his horse, Nicol! this recipe, sweetened with cocoa, would surely sway even the Fiercest Critic.